9
Facts to Consider About the Location
Carefully choose an indoor location for the new water heater,
because the placement is a very important consideration for the
safety of the occupants in the building and for the most economical
use of the appliance.
This water heater is not for use in
manufactured (mobile) homes or outdoor installation.
Whether replacing an old water heater or putting the water
heater in a new location, the following critical points must be
observed:
• Select a location indoors as close as practical to the gas
vent or chimney to which the water heater vent is going to be
connected, and as centralized with the water piping system
as possible.
• Selected location must provide adequate clearances for
servicing and proper operation of the water heater.
Installation of the water heater must be accomplished in such
a manner that if the tank or any connections should leak, the
flow will not cause damage to the structure. For this reason, it
is not advisable to install the water heater in an attic or upper
floor. When such locations cannot be avoided, a suitable drain
pan should be installed under the water heater. Drain pans are
available at your local hardware store. Such a drain pan must
have a minimum length and width of at least 2 inches (51 mm)
greater that the water heater dimensions and must be piped to an
adequate drain. The pan must not restrict combustion air flow.
Water heater life depends upon water quality, water pressure
and the environment in which the water heater is installed. Water
heaters are sometimes installed in locations where leakage may
result in property damage, even with the use of a drain pan piped
to a drain. However, unanticipated damage can be reduced or
prevented by a leak detector or water shut-off device used in
conjunction with a piped drain pan. These devices are available
from some plumbing supply wholesalers and retailers, and detect
and react to leakage in various ways:
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that trigger an alarm or turn
off the incoming water to the water heater when leakage is
detected.
• Sensors mounted in the drain pan that turn off the water supply
to the entire home when water is detected in the drain pan.
• Water supply shut-off devices that activate based on the water
pressure differential between the cold water and hot water
pipes connected to the water heater.
• Devices that will turn off the gas supply to a gas water heater
while at the same time shutting off its water supply.
INSTALLATIONS IN AREAS WHERE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
(VAPORS) ARE LIKELY TO BE PRESENT OR STORED
(GARAGES, STORAGE AND UTILITY AREAS, ETC.): Flammable
liquids (such as gasoline, solvents, propane [LP or butane, etc.]
and other substances such as adhesives, etc.) emit flammable
vapors which can be ignited by a gas water heater’s pilot light or
main burner. The resulting flashback and fire can cause death
or serious burns to anyone in the area. Even though this water
heater is a flammable vapors ignition resistant water heater and
is designed to reduce the chances of flammable vapors being
ignited, gasoline and other flammable substances should never
be stored or used in the same vicinity or area containing a gas
water heater or other open flame or spark producing appliance.
Also, the water heater must be located and/or protected so it is
not subject to physical damage by a moving vehicle.
This water heater must not be installed directly on carpeting.
Carpeting must be protected by metal or wood panel beneath
the appliance extending beyond the full width and depth of the
appliance by at least 3 inches (76.2mm) in any direction, or if
the appliance is installed in an alcove or closet, the entire floor
must be covered by the panel. Failure to heed this warning may
result in a fire hazard.
